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Bunuel
4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.



Hello sir,
It was not mentioned in the question stem whether x, y and z are integers. In this question, if x, y and z were non-integers, wouldn't the procedure be different? Would you please explain?

Thanks! :D

This question has a trick in that it will be true for both integers and non-integers alike:

1. x^2 > 0 no matter x=integer or not. Similarly, \(\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) will be positive for x=integer or non-integer. Try it out. Let x = 1 , \(\sqrt[4]{1^2} = 1 > 0\) and if x= 0.5, \(\sqrt[4]{0.5^2} = 0.707 >0.\)

Thus it does not matter whether you take x = integer or a fraction.

Coming back to the question,

Per statement 1, as mentioned above, \(\sqrt[4]{1^2} = 1 > 0\) ---> \(\sqrt[5]{y} > 0\) -----> y >0. Thus the statement \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\) will be false. Thus this statement is sufficient.

Per statement 2, z^4 > 0 whether z =1 or z= 0.5 ----> 1/(z^4) >0 ----> y^3 >0---> y>0 (satisfies for both, y =1 or y = 0.25). Thus the given statement \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\) will be false. Thus this statement is sufficient.

As both the given statements are sufficient, the correct answer is D.

whenever you are in doubt, always test the given statements/conditions with different values (integers, fractions , etc). This way you will get a better picture.
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10. If \(x\) and \(y\) are non-negative integers and \(x+y>0\) is \((x+y)^{xy}\) an even integer?
(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\)
(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\)

(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\) --> \(2^{x-y}=16^{\frac{1}{x+y}}=2^{\frac{4}{x+y}}\) --> equate the powers: \(x-y=\frac{4}{x+y}\) --> \((x-y)(x+y)=4\).

Since both \(x\) and \(y\) are integers (and \(x+y>0\)) then \(x-y=2\) and \(x+y=2\) --> \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) --> \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\), so the answer to the question is No. Sufficient. (Note that \(x-y=1\) and \(x+y=4\) --> \(x=2.5\) and \(y=1.5\) is not a valid scenario (solution) as both unknowns must be integers)

(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) --> obviously \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) must be an integer (since \(2^x+3^y=integer\)) and as \(x+y=integer\) then the only solution is \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}=\sqrt[2]{25}=5\) --> \(x+y=2\). So, \(2^x+3^y=5\) --> two scenarios are possible:
A. \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^2+3^0=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\);
B. \(x=1\) and \(y=1\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^1+3^1=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^1=2=even\).

Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.


if y = 0 then statement 1 become 2^x = 2^2x , i.e. x = 2x , i.e. x = 0 not 2 , what am i doing wrong here if you plz??
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10. If \(x\) and \(y\) are non-negative integers and \(x+y>0\) is \((x+y)^{xy}\) an even integer?
(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\)
(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\)

(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\) --> \(2^{x-y}=16^{\frac{1}{x+y}}=2^{\frac{4}{x+y}}\) --> equate the powers: \(x-y=\frac{4}{x+y}\) --> \((x-y)(x+y)=4\).

Since both \(x\) and \(y\) are integers (and \(x+y>0\)) then \(x-y=2\) and \(x+y=2\) --> \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) --> \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\), so the answer to the question is No. Sufficient. (Note that \(x-y=1\) and \(x+y=4\) --> \(x=2.5\) and \(y=1.5\) is not a valid scenario (solution) as both unknowns must be integers)

(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) --> obviously \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) must be an integer (since \(2^x+3^y=integer\)) and as \(x+y=integer\) then the only solution is \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}=\sqrt[2]{25}=5\) --> \(x+y=2\). So, \(2^x+3^y=5\) --> two scenarios are possible:
A. \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^2+3^0=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\);
B. \(x=1\) and \(y=1\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^1+3^1=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^1=2=even\).

Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.


if y = 0 then statement 1 become 2^x = 2^2x , i.e. x = 2x , i.e. x = 0 not 2 , what am i doing wrong here if you plz??

If y=0, then we'll have \(2^{x}=\sqrt[x]{16}\):

\(2^x=2^{\frac{4}{x}}\);

\(x=\frac{4}{x}\);

\(x^2=4\)

\(x=2\) or \(x=-2\) (discard since x is non-negative).
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4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.

I could not understand the highlighted part. I also don't understand when to consider both positive and negative solutions and when to consider only positive solution when dealing with roots. Please explain.
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Bunuel
4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.

I could not understand the highlighted part. I also don't understand when to consider both positive and negative solutions and when to consider only positive solution when dealing with roots. Please explain.

When the GMAT provides the square root sign for an even root, such as a square root, fourth root, etc. then the only accepted answer is the positive root. That is:

\(\sqrt{9} = 3\), NOT +3 or -3;
\(\sqrt[4]{16} = 2\), NOT +2 or -2;

Notice that in contrast, the equation \(x^2 = 9\) has TWO solutions, +3 and -3. Because \(x^2 = 9\) means that \(x =-\sqrt{9}=-3\) or \(x=\sqrt{9}=3\).
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Bunuel
4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.


Hi Bunuel,

Can you kindly help me understand why 4th root of x^2 > 0 and not 4th root of x^2 = 4th root of |x| similar to square of x^2 = square root of |x| as shown in the step 2 of your solution to the question @ https://gmatclub.com/forum/what-is-x-2- ... 99157.html?

Thank you
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Bunuel
4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.


Hi Bunuel,

Can you kindly help me understand why 4th root of x^2 > 0 and not 4th root of x^2 = 4th root of |x| similar to square of x^2 = square root of |x| as shown in the step 2 of your solution to the question @ https://gmatclub.com/forum/what-is-x-2- ... 99157.html?

Thank you

Even roots from a non-negative number is non-negative, so 0 or positive: \(\sqrt[even]{something}\geq 0\), not matter what that "something" is (provided it's positive or 0 because even roots from negative numbers are not defined for the GMAT) )

Next, \(\sqrt[4]{x^2}=\sqrt{\sqrt{x^2}}=\sqrt{|x|}\), which must be positive, so (1) basically says that \(\sqrt[5]{y}>0\), or that y > 0.

Finally, if it were
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Hi Bunuel

I don’t understand why in statement 2, x+y cannot equal 1. X and Y are non-negatives, so we shouldn’t exclude the possibility of X and Y being 0 and 1 or 1 and 0 respectively. Please clarify. Thanks

Bunuel
10. If \(x\) and \(y\) are non-negative integers and \(x+y>0\) is \((x+y)^{xy}\) an even integer?
(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\)
(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\)

(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\) --> \(2^{x-y}=16^{\frac{1}{x+y}}=2^{\frac{4}{x+y}}\) --> equate the powers: \(x-y=\frac{4}{x+y}\) --> \((x-y)(x+y)=4\).

Since both \(x\) and \(y\) are integers (and \(x+y>0\)) then \(x-y=2\) and \(x+y=2\) --> \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) --> \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\), so the answer to the question is No. Sufficient. (Note that \(x-y=1\) and \(x+y=4\) --> \(x=2.5\) and \(y=1.5\) is not a valid scenario (solution) as both unknowns must be integers)

(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) --> obviously \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) must be an integer (since \(2^x+3^y=integer\)) and as \(x+y=integer\) then the only solution is \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}=\sqrt[2]{25}=5\) --> \(x+y=2\). So, \(2^x+3^y=5\) --> two scenarios are possible:
A. \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^2+3^0=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\);
B. \(x=1\) and \(y=1\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^1+3^1=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^1=2=even\).

Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

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Hi Bunuel

I don’t understand why in statement 2, x+y cannot equal 1. X and Y are non-negatives, so we shouldn’t exclude the possibility of X and Y being 0 and 1 or 1 and 0 respectively. Please clarify. Thanks

Bunuel
10. If \(x\) and \(y\) are non-negative integers and \(x+y>0\) is \((x+y)^{xy}\) an even integer?
(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\)
(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\)

(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\) --> \(2^{x-y}=16^{\frac{1}{x+y}}=2^{\frac{4}{x+y}}\) --> equate the powers: \(x-y=\frac{4}{x+y}\) --> \((x-y)(x+y)=4\).

Since both \(x\) and \(y\) are integers (and \(x+y>0\)) then \(x-y=2\) and \(x+y=2\) --> \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) --> \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\), so the answer to the question is No. Sufficient. (Note that \(x-y=1\) and \(x+y=4\) --> \(x=2.5\) and \(y=1.5\) is not a valid scenario (solution) as both unknowns must be integers)

(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) --> obviously \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) must be an integer (since \(2^x+3^y=integer\)) and as \(x+y=integer\) then the only solution is \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}=\sqrt[2]{25}=5\) --> \(x+y=2\). So, \(2^x+3^y=5\) --> two scenarios are possible:
A. \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^2+3^0=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\);
B. \(x=1\) and \(y=1\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^1+3^1=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^1=2=even\).

Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

Posted from my mobile device

If x = 0 and y = 1, then 2^x + 3^y = 4 and if x = 1 and y = 0, then 2^x + 3^y = 3. While \(\sqrt[1]{25}=25\)
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Bunuel
4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.

how is it possible that even root has only positive value? Square root is even, but we are taking both positive and negative value. Then why not so for other even root?
please someone help me to understand it
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Bunuel
7. If \(x\) is a positive integer is \(\sqrt{x}\) an integer?
(1) \(\sqrt{7*x}\) is an integer
(2) \(\sqrt{9*x}\) is not an integer

Must know for the GMAT: if \(x\) is a positive integer then \(\sqrt{x}\) is either a positive integer itself or an irrational number. (It can not be some reduced fraction eg 7/3 or 1/2)

Also note that the question basically asks whether \(x\) is a perfect square.

(1) \(\sqrt{7*x}\) is an integer --> \(x\) can not be a perfect square because if it is, for example if \(x=n^2\) for some positive integer \(n\) then \(\sqrt{7x}=\sqrt{7n^2}=n\sqrt{7}\neq{integer}\). Sufficient.

(2) \(\sqrt{9*x}\) is not an integer --> \(\sqrt{9*x}=3*\sqrt{x}\neq{integer}\) --> \(\sqrt{x}\neq{integer}\). Sufficient.


Answer: D.

hi Bunuel, how D?

if x=7 then sqrt of 49 perfect square, but sqrt x is not. If we take 28, 63 etc for x then both sqrt of 7x and sqrt of x is an integer. So I is not sufficient...
I'm I right?
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Bunuel
7. If \(x\) is a positive integer is \(\sqrt{x}\) an integer?
(1) \(\sqrt{7*x}\) is an integer
(2) \(\sqrt{9*x}\) is not an integer

Must know for the GMAT: if \(x\) is a positive integer then \(\sqrt{x}\) is either a positive integer itself or an irrational number. (It can not be some reduced fraction eg 7/3 or 1/2)

Also note that the question basically asks whether \(x\) is a perfect square.

(1) \(\sqrt{7*x}\) is an integer --> \(x\) can not be a perfect square because if it is, for example if \(x=n^2\) for some positive integer \(n\) then \(\sqrt{7x}=\sqrt{7n^2}=n\sqrt{7}\neq{integer}\). Sufficient.

(2) \(\sqrt{9*x}\) is not an integer --> \(\sqrt{9*x}=3*\sqrt{x}\neq{integer}\) --> \(\sqrt{x}\neq{integer}\). Sufficient.

Answer: D.

how D? if we take x as 7 then sqrt(7X) is an integer, but sqrt(x) is not an integer. If we take x as 28,63 etc then both the square roots are integer. Hence B.

Bunuel, Iam i right?
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Bunuel
10. If \(x\) and \(y\) are non-negative integers and \(x+y>0\) is \((x+y)^{xy}\) an even integer?
(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\)
(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\)

(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\) --> \(2^{x-y}=16^{\frac{1}{x+y}}=2^{\frac{4}{x+y}}\) --> equate the powers: \(x-y=\frac{4}{x+y}\) --> \((x-y)(x+y)=4\).

Since both \(x\) and \(y\) are integers (and \(x+y>0\)) then \(x-y=2\) and \(x+y=2\) --> \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) --> \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\), so the answer to the question is No. Sufficient. (Note that \(x-y=1\) and \(x+y=4\) --> \(x=2.5\) and \(y=1.5\) is not a valid scenario (solution) as both unknowns must be integers)

(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) --> obviously \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) must be an integer (since \(2^x+3^y=integer\)) and as \(x+y=integer\) then the only solution is \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}=\sqrt[2]{25}=5\) --> \(x+y=2\). So, \(2^x+3^y=5\) --> two scenarios are possible:
A. \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^2+3^0=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\);

is it correct to take both x-y and x+y as 2? Is there any such integer is existing?
B. \(x=1\) and \(y=1\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^1+3^1=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^1=2=even\).

Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

in statement 1 we get (x-y)(x+y)=4 but we can't take non integer value. So is it right to take both x-y and x+y as 2? is there any such number is existing where both sum and difference of two numbers as the same? Is it not valid to take statement 1 as insufficient?
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Bunuel
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Bunuel
4. If \(xyz\neq{0}\) is \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})<0\)?
(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\)
(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\)

\(xyz\neq{0}\) means that neither of unknown is equal to zero. Next, \((x^{-4})*(\sqrt[3]{y})*(z^{-2})=\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}\), so the question becomes: is \(\frac{\sqrt[3]{y}}{x^4*z^2}<0\)? Since \(x^4\) and \(z^2\) are positive numbers then the question boils down whether \(\sqrt[3]{y}<0\), which is the same as whether \(y<0\) (recall that odd roots have the same sign as the base of the root, for example: \(\sqrt[3]{125} =5\) and \(\sqrt[3]{-64} =-4\)).

(1) \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}\) --> as even root from positive number (\(x^2\) in our case) is positive then \(\sqrt[5]{y}>\sqrt[4]{x^2}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

(2) \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}\) --> the same here as \(\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\) then \(y^3>\frac{1}{z{^4}}>0\), (or which is the same \(y>0\)). Therefore answer to the original question is NO. Sufficient.

Answer: D.

how is it possible that even root has only positive value? Square root is even, but we are taking both positive and negative value. Then why not so for other even root?
please someone help me to understand it

Mathematically, \(\sqrt{...}\) is the square root sign, a function (called the principal square root function), which cannot give negative result. So, this sign (\(\sqrt{...}\)) always means non-negative square root.


The graph of the function f(x) = √x

Notice that it's defined for non-negative numbers and is producing non-negative results.

TO SUMMARIZE:
When the GMAT (and generally in math) provides the square root sign for an even root, such as a square root, fourth root, etc. then the only accepted answer is the non-negative root. That is:

\(\sqrt{9} = 3\), NOT +3 or -3;
\(\sqrt[4]{16} = 2\), NOT +2 or -2;

Notice that in contrast, the equation \(x^2 = 9\) has TWO solutions, +3 and -3. Because \(x^2 = 9\) means that \(x =-\sqrt{9}=-3\) or \(x=\sqrt{9}=3\).

Hope it helps.
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Bunuel
7. If \(x\) is a positive integer is \(\sqrt{x}\) an integer?
(1) \(\sqrt{7*x}\) is an integer
(2) \(\sqrt{9*x}\) is not an integer

Must know for the GMAT: if \(x\) is a positive integer then \(\sqrt{x}\) is either a positive integer itself or an irrational number. (It can not be some reduced fraction eg 7/3 or 1/2)

Also note that the question basically asks whether \(x\) is a perfect square.

(1) \(\sqrt{7*x}\) is an integer --> \(x\) can not be a perfect square because if it is, for example if \(x=n^2\) for some positive integer \(n\) then \(\sqrt{7x}=\sqrt{7n^2}=n\sqrt{7}\neq{integer}\). Sufficient.

(2) \(\sqrt{9*x}\) is not an integer --> \(\sqrt{9*x}=3*\sqrt{x}\neq{integer}\) --> \(\sqrt{x}\neq{integer}\). Sufficient.


Answer: D.

hi Bunuel, how D?

if x=7 then sqrt of 49 perfect square, but sqrt x is not. If we take 28, 63 etc for x then both sqrt of 7x and sqrt of x is an integer. So I is not sufficient...
I'm I right?

Since the OA is D, you are obviously not right. How is \(\sqrt{x}\) an integer, if x is 28 or 63?
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Bunuel
10. If \(x\) and \(y\) are non-negative integers and \(x+y>0\) is \((x+y)^{xy}\) an even integer?
(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\)
(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\)

(1) \(2^{x-y}=\sqrt[(x+y)]{16}\) --> \(2^{x-y}=16^{\frac{1}{x+y}}=2^{\frac{4}{x+y}}\) --> equate the powers: \(x-y=\frac{4}{x+y}\) --> \((x-y)(x+y)=4\).

Since both \(x\) and \(y\) are integers (and \(x+y>0\)) then \(x-y=2\) and \(x+y=2\) --> \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) --> \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\), so the answer to the question is No. Sufficient. (Note that \(x-y=1\) and \(x+y=4\) --> \(x=2.5\) and \(y=1.5\) is not a valid scenario (solution) as both unknowns must be integers)

(2) \(2^x+3^y=\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) --> obviously \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}\) must be an integer (since \(2^x+3^y=integer\)) and as \(x+y=integer\) then the only solution is \(\sqrt[(x+y)]{25}=\sqrt[2]{25}=5\) --> \(x+y=2\). So, \(2^x+3^y=5\) --> two scenarios are possible:
A. \(x=2\) and \(y=0\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^2+3^0=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^0=1=odd\);

is it correct to take both x-y and x+y as 2? Is there any such integer is existing?
B. \(x=1\) and \(y=1\) (notice that \(x+y=2\) holds true) --> \(2^x+3^y=2^1+3^1=5\), and in this case: \((x+y)^{xy}=2^1=2=even\).

Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

in statement 1 we get (x-y)(x+y)=4 but we can't take non integer value. So is it right to take both x-y and x+y as 2? is there any such number is existing where both sum and difference of two numbers as the same? Is it not valid to take statement 1 as insufficient?


4 can be expressed as the product of two integers in the following four ways only: 1 * 4, 2 * 2, (-1) * (-4), or (-2) * (-2).

Since both (x - y) and (x + y) are integers, and x + y > 0, we have x - y = 2 and x + y = 2 (the reason x - y = 1 and x + y = 4 is not possible is explained in the referenced solution).

Both x - y and x + y can equal 2 if x = 2 and y = 0, which is clearly stated in the solution you quoted.
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Hey Bunuel, I was wondering if you could please explain step by step in more detail how did you apply the algebraic identity (x^2 - y^2)=(x+y)(x-y) to the fraction

Square root(2)*[Square root(x) + Square root(y)] /(x-y).

Many thanks in advance.

I am confused because after applying the same algebraic identity I got as a result the following:

Square root(2)*[Square root(x) + Square root(y)]*(x+y)/(x^2 - y^2)

Bunuel
3. If \(x>y>0\) then what is the value of \(\frac{\sqrt{2x}+\sqrt{2y}}{x-y}\)?
(1) \(x+y=4+2\sqrt{xy}\)
(2) \(x-y=9\)

\(\frac{\sqrt{2x}+\sqrt{2y}}{x-y}\) --> factor out \(\sqrt{2}\) from the nominator and apply \(a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)\) to the expression in the denominator: \(\frac{\sqrt{2}(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y})}{(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y})(\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y})}=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}}\). So we should find the value of \(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}\).

(1) \(x+y=4+2\sqrt{xy}\) --> \(x-2\sqrt{xy}+y=4\) --> \((\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y})^2=4\) --> \(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}=2\) (note that since \(x-y>0\) then the second solution \(\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{y}=-2\) is not valid). Sufficient.

(2) \(x-y=9\). Not sufficient.

Answer: A.
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